Releasable systems

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilize at least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upon a releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, a base, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member is fixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any system to provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A second embodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasable ski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at least two modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed mode corresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to the mounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. In addition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode corresponds to a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring with respect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the present invention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize the components necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to releasable binding systems. Inparticular, the present invention relates to releasable binding systemsthat utilize a torsion member for inducing a releasable binding forceupon a releasable member.

2. Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/621,254 filed Oct. 22, 2004.

3. Background

Numerous sports involve binding some portion of a participant to aparticular device. For example, skiing and snowboarding involve bindingan individual's boot to a ski or snowboard respectively. Likewise,cycling and biking involve binding an individual's foot to a pedal toincrease performance. In addition, mountaineering, kiteboarding,windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing, etc all involve various systems tocouple a user with a particular device. Due to safety concerns, almostall of these binding or coupling systems must also be automaticallyreleasable under certain circumstances. For example, if a skier fallsand the binding system between their skis and boots does not properlyrelease, they are likely to suffer a serious injury. Whereas, if thebinding system between the skis and boots properly releases when theyfall, they are more likely to safely fall independent of their skis.However, the binding system between a mountaineering boot and a cramponis generally not automatically releasable.

Various binding technologies exist in the industry for releasablysecuring a user to a particular device. One of the main limitations ofexisting systems is their required weight and size. Weight is a majorfactor in the performance of almost all sports. In particular, many ofthe sports that involve some form of binding system are particularlyweight sensitive. For example, the overall weight of a ski bindingsystem is added to the weight of the skis and boots to create a combinedskiing weight. This combined skiing weight can significantly affect askier's speed going down or their energy output hiking/skinning up.Likewise, in cycling, the overall weight of a bike, including the pedalbinding system, can dramatically affect a cyclists performance.

Therefore, there is a need in the industry for binding systems thatefficiently minimize the required dimensions and minimize the weightnecessary to releasably bind a particular portion of an individual to adevice.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilizeat least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upona releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates toa releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, abase, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member isfixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasablemember. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any systemto provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A secondembodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasableski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at leasttwo modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed modecorresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to themounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which thebase is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. Inaddition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode correspondsto a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring withrespect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the presentinvention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a skiboot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize thecomponents necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beset forth or will become more fully apparent in the description thatfollows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practiceof the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand features of the invention are obtained, a more particulardescription of the invention briefly described above will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in theappended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be consideredlimiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, illustrating one embodiment of areleasable ski system, in which four torsion members and rollers areconfigured to induce a releasable binding force upon the releasablemember;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of areleasable ski system, in which a single torsion member and retentionmember are configured to induce a releasable binding force upon thereleasable member;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of areleasable ski system, in which a single torsion member and retentionmember are configured to induce a releasable binding force upon thereleasable member;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a multi-modereleasable ski binding system, which includes a fixed mode in which thebase is fixed to the mounting plate and a free mode in which the base isfree to rotate with respect to the mounting plate;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem illustrated in FIG. 4, specifically illustrating the releasablemember in a released configuration with respect to the base;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem illustrated in FIG. 4, specifically illustrating the baserotating with respect to the mounting plate in the free mode;

FIG. 7 is a component view of the device illustrated in FIG. 4,specifically illustrating the components in the free mode;

FIG. 8 is a component view of the device illustrated in FIG. 4,specifically illustrating the components in the fixed mode;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of amulti-mode releasable ski binding system, which includes three modes ofoperation including a fixed mode, a spring-biased free mode, and a freemode;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem illustrated in FIG. 9 in the spring biased free mode;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a releasable ski toe binding system inwhich a ski boot is releasably coupled directly to the base via thetorsion members and rollers;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view, illustrating an alternative embodiment ofa releasable ski system, in which two compression springs and rollersact as the torsion member to induce a releasable binding force upon thereleasable member, wherein the system is illustrated in a coupledconfiguration;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view, illustrating an alternative embodiment ofa releasable ski system, in which two compression springs and rollersact as the torsion member to induce a releasable binding force upon thereleasable member, wherein the system is illustrated in a releasedconfiguration; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a skisystem, wherein a torsion member provides compliance between a toe plateand a base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to releasable binding systems that utilizeat least one torsion member for inducing a releasable binding force upona releasable member. One embodiment of the present invention relates toa releasable ski system incorporating at least one torsion member, abase, and a releasable member. The at least one torsion member isfixably coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the releasablemember. The releasable ski system may be incorporated within any systemto provide a lightweight and compact releasable system. A secondembodiment of the present invention relates to a multi mode releasableski binding system. The system is configured to switch between at leasttwo modes including a fixed mode and a free mode. The fixed modecorresponds to a position in which the base is fixed with respect to themounting plate and the free mode corresponds to a position in which thebase is free to rotate or pivot with respect to the mounting plate. Inaddition, an optional or alternative spring biased free mode correspondsto a position in which the base is free to pivot against a spring withrespect to the mounting plate. A third embodiment of the presentinvention relates to a releasable ski toe binding system in which a skiboot is releasably coupled directly to the base to further minimize thecomponents necessary for providing an effective releasable ski system.Also, while embodiments of the present invention are directed towardsreleasable binding systems, the teachings of the present invention arealso applicable to other areas.

The following terms are defined as follows:

Torsion member—A spring or spring system that is configured in a mannerto provide a lateral force; a torsion member may include a torsionspring or some other type of spring configured to provide a lateral ortranslational force; a torsion member may also include cantileveredobjects.

Retention member—a fixed object or surface that is configured to opposea force;

-   -   Releasable binding force—a force that is applied to releasably        couple two objects together. For example, a torsion member and a        fixed retention member may operate to cause a releasable binding        force upon a releasable member that is properly disposed between        the torsion member and fixed retention member.

Mounting plate—A substantially rigid plate configured for mounting on avariety of surfaces including but not limited to a ski, a snowboard, awakeboard, a surfboard, etc.

Coupling system—A system for coupling the releasable member to some formof foot support system such as a binding or boot. A coupling system mayinclude various recesses, protrusions, locking systems, etc.

Base—A substantially rigid member coupled to the torsion members in amanner to provide the releasable functionality of the releasable member.

Rotatably coupled—a state in which one object is coupled to another in amanner in which they are free to rotate with respect to one another.

Multi mode binding system—a ski binding system in which a user is ableto switch between various modes for particular applications. Forexample, a fixed mode may correspond to a mode in which the componentsare fixed with respect to one another. Likewise, a free mode maycorrespond to a mode in which one or more of the components are free tomove with respect to one another.

Reference is initially made to FIG. 1, which illustrates one embodimentof a releasable ski system, in which four torsion members and rollersare configured to induce a releasable binding force upon the releasablemember, designated generally at 100. The releasable ski system includesa base (not illustrated), a releasable member 110, and a plurality oftorsion members 120. The illustrated torsion members 120 are torsionsprings but could be replaced with alternative lateral force inducingconfigurations such as the one illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. Thesecomponents operate together to releasably couple the releasable member110 to the base via a releasable binding force. The torsion members 120are fixably coupled to the base via a spring coupling system 103. Theillustrated spring coupling system 103 includes an axle and an interfacemember for securing the torsion members 120 to the base with aparticular release force setting such as a DIN rating. Various releaseforce adjustment systems may be incorporated and remain consistent withthe present invention. The rollers 115 are coupled to the ends of thetorsion members 120 to minimize undesirable frictional properties wheninterfacing with the releasable member 110. The rollers 115 arerotatably coupled to the torsion members 120 in a manner that allowsthem to laterally roll with respect to the torsion member yet remaintranslationally and elevationally fixed.

The illustrated releasable member 110 is a plate that is configured tocouple to some form of binding or boot related device. The releasablemember 110 further includes a body 114, a coupling system 113, and aplurality of receiving recesses 111. The body 114 is composed of asubstantially rigid material that will maximize the force transfer froma binding or boot. For example, if a large lateral force is applied to abinding is coupled to the releasable member, it is desirable for thatforce to be directly transferred to the releasable member 110. Thecoupling system 113 is a plurality of threaded holes for use in couplingthe releasable member 110 to a boot or binding device. The receivingrecesses 111 are recessed regions of the releasable member 110 which areconfigured and appropriately disposed to interface with the rollers 115.By providing a receiving recess 111, the rollers 115 are able tomaximize the surface contact with the releasable member 110 therebyincreasing reliability of the release mechanism.

In operation, the releasable member 110 is configured to release fromthe base when a sufficient translational or rotational force is applied.The releasable member 110 should not release when only an elevationalforce is applied. As discussed above, the torsion members 120 are woundand coupled to the base via the coupling system 103 in a manner togenerate a particular lateral force. Since, the rollers 115 are coupledto the ends of the torsion members 120, the lateral force is applied viathe rollers 115. In a released configuration the releasable member 110is detached from the base, and the rollers 115 are translated in aparticular distance. In an engaged configuration, the rollers 115 willinduce a releasable binding force upon the releasable member 110. Adownward compression force could be used to engage the releasable memberwith the base thereby transitioning from the released configuration tothe engaged configuration. The ability to engage the releasable memberwith a downward compression force enables the device to have a “step-in”engagement feature. The step in functionality minimizes the potentialfor snow or other debris to affect the engagement thereby making thedevice more reliable. In the engaged configuration, the releasablebinding force exerted on the releasable member can be overcome with asufficient force that will cause the releasable member to release fromthe base. Alternatively, other types of manual release mechanisms couldbe incorporated including but not limited to a lever release system. Itshould also be noted that an upward force could release the releasablemember 110 from the base (not shown).

Reference is next made to FIG. 2, which illustrates a perspective viewof an alternative embodiment of a releasable ski system, in which asingle torsion member and retention member are configured to induce areleasable binding force upon the releasable member, designatedgenerally at 200. This alternative embodiment utilizes a single torsionmember 220 and fixed retention member 202 to induce the necessaryreleasable binding force upon the releasable member. The releasable skisystem 200 includes a base 205, a torsion member 220, a releasablemember 210, and a heel plate 230. The heel plate 230 is used to providea level surface for resting a boot or binding on an athletic device. Itmay be particularly useful for a Telemark type ski binding system.

The base 205 is a substantially rigid plate configured to couple to anathletic device including but not limited to a ski or ski binding. Thebase 205 includes a spring coupling system 203 that fixably couples thetorsion member 220 to the base in a manner to provide a sufficientforce. The illustrated torsion member 220 winds around an axle andinterface member of the spring coupling system 203 and extends below aportion of the base. This configuration may be useful for efficienttorsion member replacement or adjustment. The base 205 further includesa fixed retention member 202. The retention member 202 is a convexsurface configured to fixably oppose the releasable member 210 fromtranslating due to the releasable binding force that is applied by thetorsion member 220. The base further includes a body 201.

The releasable member 210 is designed to interface with the particularlayout of the base 205. The releasable member 210 includes a body 214, acoupling system 213, and a receiving recess 211. The receiving recess211 is configured to conform to the shape of the torsion member 220coupled to the base 205. In this embodiment, the receiving recess 211 isdisposed at the front of the releasable member 210 to properly interfacewith the torsion member 220. Rather than using rollers, the shape of thetorsion member 220 provides a single convexly curved surface forinterfacing with the releasable member 210. The receiving recess 211provides a concave recess to maximize the interfacing surface areabetween the torsion member 220 and the releasable member 210.

In operation, the releasable member 210 is able to release from the base205 by overcoming the induced releasable binding force applied by thetorsion member 220. The illustrated component configuration willsubstantially prevent the releasable member 210 from releasing as aresult of a purely elevational or separational force. A sufficientrotational or translational force must be applied to the releasablemember 210 in order to overcome the releasable binding force and releasethe releasable member 210 from the base 205. However, a release couldalso occur from an upward separational force.

Reference is next made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a perspective viewof an alternative embodiment of a releasable ski system, in which asingle torsion member and retention member are configured to induce areleasable binding force upon the releasable member, designated at 300.This embodiment illustrates the releasable member 310 in a releasedconfiguration with respect to the base 305. In addition, this embodimentillustrates a different spring coupling system 303 for use in couplingthe torsion member 320 to the base 305. The base 305 includes a body301, a retention member 302, and the spring coupling system 303. Thereleasable member 310 includes a body 314, a coupling system 313, and areceiving recess 311.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, various configurations of torsion members,coupling systems, releasable members, spring coupling systems, retentionmembers, and bases may be used to create a releasable system consistentwith the present invention. Numerous other configurations arecontemplated and remain consistent with the present invention.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4, which illustrates a perspective viewof one embodiment of a multi-mode releasable ski binding system,designated generally at 400. The multi-mode releasable ski systemincludes a fixed mode in which the base is fixed to the mounting plateand a free mode in which the base is free to rotate with respect to themounting plate. In addition, the system maintains the releasablefunctionality of the systems described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Thesystem 400 further includes a mounting plate 425, a base 405, a torsionmember 420, a lever 430, and a releasable member 410.

The mounting plate 425 is a substantially rigid plate configured to becoupled to an athletic ski device such as a ski. The mounting plate 425includes a flat portion and a rear flanged portion with a recess. Thebase 405 is coupled to the mounting plate via releasable pivot systemthat includes a lever 430, a hinge 432, and a T-connector 442. Thereleasable pivot system will be described in more detail with referenceto FIGS. 6-8. The lever 430 allows a user to switch between the fixedmode and the free mode.

The remaining components of the base 405 and the releasable member 410are analogous to the systems described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Thebase 405 further includes two fixed rollers 407 which act as retentionmembers to oppose translation of the releasable member 410 when thereleasable binding force is applied via the torsion member 420 and therollers 415. The releasable member 410 includes a body 414 and acoupling system 413. The illustrated releasable member 410 is releasablefrom the base 205 regardless of whether the system 400 is in the fixedor free mode.

Reference is next made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a perspective viewof the multi-mode releasable ski binding system illustrated in FIG. 4,specifically illustrating the releasable member in a released 410configuration with respect to the base.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem illustrated in FIG. 4, specifically illustrating the baserotating with respect to the mounting plate in the free mode. Thisfigure particularly illustrates a portion of the releasable pivot systembetween the base 405 and the mounting plate 425. The pivot arm 440 is anelongated member that extends between the bottom of the base 405 and arear flange on the mounting plate 425. The pivot arm 440 assists inproviding lateral stability between the base 405 and the mounting plate425 in the free mode. The pivot arm 440 may also be configured toprovide a spring bias in the free mode. The pivot arm 440 furtherincludes a top T-connector 450, an extension arm 448, a spring chamber446, a lower portion 444, and a lower T-connector 442. The topT-connector 450 is configured to slidably fit within an appropriatelyshaped groove on the base 405, as illustrated. Likewise, the lowerT-connector 442 is shaped to rotatably lock within a recess on themounting plate 425. The extension arm 448 is configured to extend andretract within the spring chamber 446 depending on the angle of rotationbetween the base 405 and the mounting plate 425. An optional extensionspring (not shown) may be disposed within the spring chamber 446 andcoupled to the extension arm 448 and the lower portion 444 to provide aspring bias against the base 405 when it rotates with respect to themounting plate 425 in the free mode. The spring would restrict the base405 from rotating away from the mounting plate 425 and assist the base405 from rotating toward the mounting plate 425. An alternative springbias and lateral stability system is described with respect to FIGS. 9and 10.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 7-8, which illustrate component views ofthe releasable pivot system between the base 405 and the mounting plate425 in which the base 405 has been removed for illustration purposes.FIG. 7 illustrates the free mode while FIG. 8 illustrates the fixedmode. The releasable pivot system includes a lever 430, a hinge 432, tworetractors 460, two locking members 465, and the pivot arm 440. Thelever 430 allows a user to switch between the fixed and free mode. Whenthe lever 432 is in a raised configuration the pivot system is in thefree mode (FIG. 7), and when the lever 430 is in the loweredconfiguration the pivot system is in the fixed mode (FIG. 8). The lever430 is coupled to the hinges 432 such that when the lever 430 rotates,the hinges 432 also rotate. The retractors 460 are rotatebly coupled tothe hinges 432 such that when the hinges 432 rotate, the retractorslaterally translate forward or back with respect to the mounting plate425. The retractors 460 are coupled to the locking members 465 which areshaped to conform to recesses in the rear flanged portion of themounting plate 425. The retractors 460 and the locking members 465 aredisposed within the body region of the base 405 so as to betranslationally coupled to the base 405. Therefore, if the retractors460 and the locking members 465 are constrained from pivoting withrespect to the mounting plate 425, the base 405 is also constrained.

In operation, when the lever 432 is lowered from a raised configuration(FIG. 7) to the lowered configuration (FIG. 8), the hinges rotate 432,causing the retractors 460 to extend back towards the rear flange of themounting plate 425. The retractors 460 cause the locking members 465 toextend within the recesses on the mounting plate 425 therein locking thebase 405 (not shown) to the mounting plate 425.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 9 and 10, which illustrate a perspectiveview of an alternative embodiment of a multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem, designated generally at 500. This system 500 includes theability to switch between three independent modes including a free mode,a spring-biased free mode, and a fixed mode. The system 500 generallyincludes a mounting plate 525, a base 505, a torsion member 520, a lever530, and a releasable member 510. The releasable functionality betweenthe releasable member 510 and the base 505 remain consistent with theembodiments described in reference to FIGS. 1-3. In addition, thisembodiment utilizes a portion of the same pivoting system described inreference to FIGS. 7-8 that includes the lever 530, the hinge 532, theretractors (not shown), and the locking members 565. However, ratherthan utilizing a pivot arm (440 in FIGS. 6-8), this embodiment utilizesa lateral torsion member 540 coupled to the mounting plate 525 and whichis releasable couplable with the base 505. The base 505 includes twospring receiving members 508, which are configured to allow the endregions of the lateral torsion member 540 to be releasably coupled tothe base 505 by positioning on top of the spring receiving members (FIG.10) to provide the spring-biased free mode. Alternatively, the endportions of the lateral torsion member 540 can be removed from the base(FIG. 9) to provide the free mode. As illustrated, the lateral torsionmember 540 is coupled and looped around an axle portion of the mountingplate 425. In addition, the median portion of the lateral torsion member540 is curved to provide the opposing force necessary to generate thespring like compliant properties in the ends of the lateral torsionmember 540. Various winding, looping, and shape configurations may beused to adjust the compliant properties of the lateral torsion member540.

Reference is next made to FIG. 11, which illustrates a perspective viewof a releasable ski toe binding system in which a ski boot is releasablycoupled directly to the base via the torsion members and rollers,designated generally at 900. This system may be particularly applicablefor an Alpine or Randonee type ski binding in which the entire boot iscoupled to a substantially rigid plate. The system 900 provides the samefunctionality as the releasable ski systems described in reference toFIGS. 1-3 without the need for a releasable member. The boot 910 acts asthe releasable member in the illustrated system 900. The base 905includes a body 901 and two fixed rollers 907 which act as retentionmembers to releasably secure the boot 910 against translational movementwhen coupled to the base 905. The base 905 is coupled to the torsionmember 920 via a spring coupling system 903. The torsion member 920 iscoupled to the rollers 915 that engage with a toe portion of the boot toinduce a releasable binding force directly upon the boot 910. Theconfiguration will prevent the boot 910 from releasing from the base 905when an elevational or separational force is applied on the boot 910.However, when a sufficient translational or rotational force is appliedon the boot 910, the toe portion of the boot 910 will displace therollers 915 in a manner to allow the boot 910 to release from the fixedrollers 907 and thereby release from the base 905. Various roller andboots configurations may be utilized to improve the reliability andfunctionality of the releasable ski toe system 905. Likewise, thisembodiment may be incorporated within the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 4-10 to provide a multi-mode boot binding system.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 12 and 13, which illustrate analternative embodiment of a releasable ski system, in which twocompression springs and rollers act as torsion members to induce areleasable binding force upon the releasable member, designatedgenerally at 1000. FIG. 12 illustrates the system 1000 in a coupledconfiguration and FIG. 13 illustrates the system 1000 in a releasedconfiguration. The system 1000 includes a releasable member 1010, a base1005, a mounting plate (not shown for illustration purposes), twotorsion members 1020, a lever 1060, two retention members 1007, and tworetractors 1060. The torsion members 1020 each include a compressionspring configured in a manner to provide a releasable binding force uponthe releasable member 1010. An additional benefit of the torsion member1020 configuration illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 is that the rollers1015 rotate out of the path of the releasable member 1010 upon releasefrom the base 1005, as illustrated in FIG. 13. This may be important toensure and unobstructed release of the releasable member 1010. Thefunctionality and operation of the lever 1030, retention members 1007,retractors 1060 and other non-torsion member components are analogous tothe system described in reference to FIGS. 4-8. Various torsion memberconfigurations may be incorporated into any of the embodiments andremain consistent with the present invention. For example, an extensionspring could also be configured to provide the same functionality as thetorsion member 1020.

It should also be noted that any of the releasable system embodimentsmay include a mechanism for disabling the releasability functionality.For example, certain applications may require that a binding system benon-releasable. The binding of a crampon to a mountaineering or iceclimbing boot is one application in which a user would never want thebinding to release automatically. Various embodiments of mechanisms fordisabling the releasability functionality may be incorporated and remainconsistent with the present invention.

It should also be noted that the torsion members included in the variousbinding systems may be adjustable. The binding force or biasing forcecreated by a torsion member may be adjusted by adjusting the loading ofthe torsion members. This adjustment may be done before assembly of thebinding system or may be incorporated as a user controlled mechanism.

Reference is next made to FIG. 14, which illustrates a perspective viewof an alternative embodiment of a ski system, designated generally at1100. The system 1100 can be used as a Telemark binding to provide acompliant flex as the toe plate 110 rotates with respect to the base1105. The system 1100 is unique in that the resistive flex of thebinding system is generated by the torsion member 1120 rather than theboot 1130. The system 1100 includes a base 1105, a toe plate 1110, atorsion member 1120, a retention member 1135, a boot 1130, a cable 1125,and a heel throw 1127. The base 1105 is fixably coupled to a surface viasome form of coupling and retention system. The retention member 1135opposes the spring force of the torsion member 1120 but may also couplethe base 1105 to the surface 1135. The illustrated retention member 1135is a knob, which could be used to adjust the compliant properties of thetorsion member 1120. Alternative retention members may be used andremain consistent with the present invention. The toe plate 1110 isconfigured to receive the toe region of a boot 1130, as illustrated. Thetoe plate 1110 is rotatably coupled to the base 1105 and torsion member1120, as shown. The torsion member 1120 induces a spring bias on the toeplate 1110 when it is rotated with respect to the base 1105. The boot1130 is further coupled to the toe plate 1110 via the cable 1125 and theheel throw 1127.

Thus, as discussed herein, the present invention relates to releasableski binding systems. In particular, the present invention relates toreleasable binding systems that utilize a torsion member for inducing areleasable binding force upon a releasable member. The present inventionmay be embodied in other specific forms without departing from itsspirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to beconsidered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Thescope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claimsrather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come withinthe meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embracedwithin their scope.

1. A releasable ski system comprising: a base; a releasable memberdisposed over the base; and at least one torsion member fixably coupledto the base and releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein theat least one torsion member induces a releasable binding force againstthe releasable member.
 2. The releasable ski system of claim 1, whereinthe base further includes a fixed retention member.
 3. The releasableski system of claim 2, wherein the fixed retention member includes acurved surface.
 4. The releasable ski system of claim 2, wherein thefixed retention member includes at least one roller.
 5. The releasableski system of claim 1, wherein the at least one torsion member iscoupled to at least one roller to provide the releasable binding forceagainst the releasable member.
 6. The releasable ski system of claim 1,wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to afoot supporting system via a coupling system.
 7. The releasable skisystem of claim 6, wherein the coupling system is a plurality ofthreaded recesses.
 8. The releasable system of claim 6, wherein the footsupporting system is a binding.
 9. The releasable ski system of claim 6,wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.
 10. The releasable skisystem of claim 1, wherein the releasable binding force couples thereleasable member to the base unless a sufficient lateral release forceis applied by the releasable member with respect to the base.
 11. Thereleasable ski system of claim 1 further including at least one rollerdisposed between the at least one torsion member and the releasablemember.
 12. The releasable ski system of claim 11, wherein thereleasable member includes at least one receiving recess.
 13. Thereleasable ski system of claim 1, wherein the at least one torsionmember includes at least one torsion spring.
 14. A multi-mode releasableski binding system, comprising: a base; a releasable member disposedover the base; at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the baseand releasably coupled to the releasable member, wherein the at leastone torsion member induces a releasable binding force against thereleasable member; and a mounting plate, wherein the base is rotatablycoupled to a front portion of the mounting plate, and wherein themounting plate includes a mechanism for securing the base to themounting plate thereby providing a free mode and a fixed mode.
 15. Themulti-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the basefurther includes a fixed retention member.
 16. The multi-mode releasableski binding system of claim 15, wherein the fixed retention memberincludes a curved surface.
 17. The multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem of claim 15, wherein the fixed retention member includes at leastone roller.
 18. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim14, wherein the at least one torsion member is coupled to at least oneroller to provide the releasable binding force against the releasablemember.
 19. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14,wherein the releasable member is a plate configured for attachment to afoot supporting system via a coupling system.
 20. The multi-modereleasable ski binding system of claim 19, wherein the coupling systemis a plurality of threaded recesses.
 21. The multi-mode releasable skibinding system of claim 19, wherein the foot supporting system is abinding.
 22. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 19,wherein the foot supporting system is a boot.
 23. The multi-modereleasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein the releasablebinding force couples the releasable member to the base unless asufficient lateral release force is applied by the releasable memberupon the torsion member.
 24. The releasable system of claim 14 furtherincluding at least one roller disposed between the at least one torsionmember and the releasable member.
 25. The multi-mode releasable skibinding system of claim 14, wherein the releasable member includes atleast one receiving recess.
 26. The multi-mode releasable ski bindingsystem of claim 14, wherein the releasable mechanism for securing thebase to the mounting plate includes a pin and lever system.
 27. Themulti-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 14, wherein themounting plate further includes a spring for providing resistance uponthe base as it rotates with respect to the mounting plate in the freemode.
 28. The multi-mode releasable ski binding system of claim 27,wherein the mounting plate further includes a release mechanism thatdisengages the spring which therefore allows the base to pivot freelywith respect to the mounting plate, wherein this system is a three-modesystem including a fixed mode, a spring-biased free mode, and a freemode.
 29. The releasable ski system of claim 14, wherein the at leastone torsion member includes at least one torsion spring.
 30. Areleasable ski toe binding system comprising: a base; a ski bootincluding a toe extension portion, wherein the ski boot is disposed overthe base; and at least one torsion member fixably coupled to the baseand releasably coupled to the ski boot via the toe extension portion,wherein the at least one torsion member induces a releasable bindingforce upon the ski boot via the toe extension portion, and wherein theat least one torsion member is shaped to provide a toe bail over the toeextension portion.
 31. The releasable ski toe binding system of claim30, further including a releasable heel portion, wherein the releasableheel portion is rotationally and elevationally releasable.
 32. ATelemark ski system comprising: a base coupled to a ski surface; a toeplate rotatably coupled to the base, wherein the toe plate includes aboot retention system for releasably securing a boot within the toeplate; and a torsion member configured to provide a spring bias upon thetoe plate as it rotates with respect to the base.
 33. The Telemark skisystem of claim 32 further includes a retention member configured toadjust the biasing properties of the torsion member.
 34. The Telemarkski system of claim 32, wherein the boot retention system includes acable and a heel throw.